Extras needed for documentary crowd scene

Arcadians Theatre Group is throwing its support behind the re-enactment of a significant moment in Australian political, industrial and international relations history tomorrow.

But more help is needed as WHY Documentaries tries to gather at least 100 extras at Port Kembla for the filming of a famous scene from 75 years ago.

Anyone interested needs to register at pigironbob.com.au and advise if they need clothes that would have been worn in January 1939 when Wollongong woman Gwendoline (Ma) Croft yelled out three words to Attorney-General Robert Menzies that stayed with him when he became prime minister.

Pig Iron Bob is also the name of the new documentary being produced by Sandra Pires, who wants at least 100 people for a crowd scene, originally attended by more than 1000 protesters.

Mr Menzies wanted to break a strike that started two months earlier when 200 men walked off the job so they did not have to load a ship bound for Japan with pig iron. It was just prior to World War II and they feared it would be used to make bullets.

By the time Mr Menzies came to town, the steelworks had temporarily ceased production and thousands of people had been out of work over Christmas.

As well as the extras, Ms Pires also needs period clothing, which is where the Arcadians is helping out.

Costume custodian Nyla Collis has arranged for clothing to be available for 9.30am tomorrow on the corner of Wentworth and Allan streets, Port Kembla.

Generally, such clothing is hired out as a source of income but Mrs Collis lives in Port Kembla and is aware of the significance of the historic event. She and husband Alan have also volunteered to be extras, as has fellow Arcadian Jan Bitter, who is playing the role of Ma Croft.

Ms Pires encouraged anyone who could bring their own period clothing to do so and anyone who could donate some for the day could do that too at pigironbob.com.au.

Actor Bob Baines is playing the part of Mr Menzies and will be arriving in a car purported to be the same one used by then prime minister Joseph Lyons.